The Messenger. A monthly publication of Christ Lutheran Church

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1 Pastor s Message The Messenger A monthly publication of Christ Lutheran Church 1 Vol. 58 No. 11 November 2018 Last month I mentioned that congregational vitality will be an immediate emphasis of the ELCA's Future Directions 2025 initiative. I would like to expand on that priority a bit this month by giving you some idea of what a vital congregation looks like and how vitality is fostered. A 2018 study conducted by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research concluded that "spiritually vital congregations are those that come together for a divine common purpose in ways that are transformative to the people within them and to their communities." Accordingly, and quoting from ELCA materials, we "aspire to have congregations whose faith shines in their relationships with God, each other and their community." Notice the emphasis on relationships. Specifically, the ELCA has identified three attributes that contribute to a congregation's strengthened relationship with God. First, the leadership of the congregation articulates how God shows up in and through the congregation and its people. Also, the congregation has a clear understanding of God's larger mission, and members know their purpose in this time and place. And finally, the congregation can articulate that purpose and create a plan for implementation. Relationships within the congregation are nurtured when relationships among the leadership, pastors and staff, and members create a loving community with good communication; when people work together respectfully through successes and challenges; and when there is a sense of ownership and belonging that drives the commitment and engagement in the mission of the church. A congregation exhibits a strong presence in the community when it opens its doors to welcome the stranger, when it goes beyond its doors to share the love Jesus Christ, and when it creates and nurtures partnerships within the community to make a positive impact on the strength of the community. In contrast, the Hartford study noted that congregational vitality is adversely impacted when people's focus is turned inward, on what they themselves gain from participating in the congregation rather than on God's mission and purpose for them. Things like conflict and unhealthy dynamics can rob congregations of vitality too, as can leaders who lack positive relational skills or the ability to work with others. The community is also negatively impacted by a preoccupation with the wrong things such as money and membership, obsession with the past, and personal prejudices. The result is that rather than wanting to deepen their engagement with the congregation and the world, people instead tend to withdraw. Overall, I think that Christ Lutheran exhibits many of the attributes of a vital congregation. Certainly, there remain a few areas in which we can continue to grow. Thinking in terms of our relationship to God, our relationships to each other, and our relationship to the community provides us with a framework for self-evaluation and for expressing what we are becoming: a church "confident about who we are in Christ and what God is calling us to do." Pastor Joel Ley Mission We are God s people, united by faith in Jesus Christ, forgiven, chosen and called by Him through the Word and Sacraments to be a mission people. Join Us Sundays Our Worship Service is held at 9:30 a.m. * Coffee Hour begins at 10:30 a.m. * The 8:30 a.m. Adult Ed classes this month will be on the 11th, 18th and 25th. There are no 10:45 a.m. classes scheduled for November at this time. * Children s November Sunday School classes will be held on the 4th, 11th and 18th, now starting at 10:45 a.m. Christ Lutheran Church Rev. Joel Q. Ley, Pastor 1420 S. 2nd Avenue Walla Walla, WA (fax) christlutheran@gohighspeed.com Organist: Cynthia Knutson Music Coordinator: Candace Rose Sexton: Gene Spangrude Office Manager: Deb Fuller A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

Members in Action Give Thanks To The Lord! This year Christ Lutheran will host the Thanksgiving Eve service we share with our brothers and sisters of St. Paul Episcopal church.

4th, at Pasco First Lutheran, at 2pm. For our devotion together, we will remember those who have died in the last year in all of our congregations.

2 Members in Action Give Thanks To The Lord! This year Christ Lutheran will host the Thanksgiving Eve service we share with our brothers and sisters of St. Paul Episcopal church. Join us for worship on Wednesday, Nov. 21st, at 7:00 pm. Lower Columbia Basin Cluster Meeting You are invited to join other ELCA congregations in the area for our next Cluster Meeting on Nov. 4th, at Pasco First Lutheran, at 2pm. For our devotion together, we will remember those who have died in the last year in all of our congregations. We will hear about things going on at the Synod level - a report on Mission Support, and at the Churchwide level - information about ELCA Future Directions 2025 with ministry goals and priorities for the next seven years. We will also entertain ideas for a new Synod name that incorporates our partners in Oregon and Wyoming. And we'll elect a new Cluster Treasurer. All are welcome! Questions can be directed to your Pastor or Deacon. Hope to see you November 4! THIRD TUESDAY BOOK GROUP Book: Great Alone Author: Kristin Hannah Everyone is invited to participate in our monthly book group on Tuesday, November 20, at 12:00 p.m. in the church library. This month s selection is titled The Great Alone. Set in l974, the father is a former Vietnam War POW suffering from PTSD and struggling to stay employed. The Albright family moves to a harsh remote area in Alaska to get a new start on life. If you have questions, contact Barbara Fryhling at or bfryhling@charter.net. Emergency Preparedness - Look Out for One Another A disaster is no time to be a lone ranger. You can more effectively deal with the challenges you will face by working with your friends and neighbors, and the time to meet them is before the disaster occurs. Who in your neighborhood has special needs (mobility, medical, etc.) and would need extra help in an emergency? What resources do you and your neighbors have? Does someone have first aid or medical skills? Do you have a generator that could be used to pump water from wells or preserve food by keeping freezers cold? Is someone willing to share their tools and muscles to board up broken windows, muck out a flooded basement, or clear debris? If the roads are covered with snow or mud, might the guy with the four-wheel-drive pickup be willing to deliver groceries or medicine or transport someone to the doctor? Do you have a horse trailer that could be used to evacuate a neighbor s livestock? The State of Washington has prepared Map Your Neighborhood materials to assist you in improving your neighborhood's readiness for a disaster. More information can be found at mil.wa.gov/emergency-management-division/ preparedness/map-your-neighborhood. Remember that in a major disaster first-responders will be overwhelmed. Your most immediate source of assistance will be those who live closest to you. If you would like to add someone to our list, please leave the information at the church office or Deb at christlutheran@gohighspeed.com. Keith Fujimoto USA Fort Hood, TX Kyle Jones USN Hawaii Kyle Rutledge USA Fort Bragg, NC Sunday, Nov. 11, is Lee Rutledge USA Schofield Barracks, Hawaii Josh Wolfram USAF Kadena Airbase, Okinawa, Japan Kris Wolfram ANG Portland ANG Base, OR 2

Members in Action CHILDRENS' SUNDAY SCHOOL IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER Changes for CLC Sunday School: We are excited to announce that we are making a shift in Sunday School instruction starting in

Our focus will remain on teaching key Bible stories taught in units with each unit lasting 5-6 weeks.

3 Members in Action CHILDRENS' SUNDAY SCHOOL IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER Changes for CLC Sunday School: We are excited to announce that we are making a shift in Sunday School instruction starting in November. The shift brings new curriculum and a multi-age experience which will allow for our preschool and elementary age students to learn together. Our focus will remain on teaching key Bible stories taught in units with each unit lasting 5-6 weeks. We will begin in November with the Advent and Christmas unit which will wrap up before Christmas break. We will resume instruction in January and cycle through a couple more units through the end of May. November-December dates for Sunday School: There will be classes on November 4th, 11th and 18th ~ No Sunday School on November 25th due to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. December 2nd, 9th and 16th ~After that we will be on Christmas break. Sunday School will resume on Sunday, January 6th, after Christmas break. How can you help? This revised version of our Sunday School model also offers opportunities to share in the leadership of teaching our youth these key Bible stories. Cheryl and Marit are asking the congregation to consider being involved in supporting our youth by taking on instruction for one week within a unit. Each unit comes with extensive lesson materials which engage students with the topic through a variety of methods such as cooking, art, music, technology and more. We ask you to strongly consider stepping in and taking the lead once during a unit in an area that you may have interest or talent in. For more information, contact Marit Nierman at or mnierman@me.com. Adult Ed Classes in November 8:30 a.m. classes:.no class on Nov. 4 th. On Nov. 11 th and 18 th, we will have "The Name of God is Mercy" book study. On November 25 th we will have our monthly discussion of the Living Lutheran magazine article. Both of these classes are facilitated by John Knapp. 10:45 a.m. classes: At the time of this publication, no 10:45 am classes have been scheduled for November. OUR PRAYER CHAIN If you aren't on our prayer chain and would like to be, we can make that happen! Just send or give Deb your address and she will get you on the list. You can contact her at or christlutheran@gohighspeed.com. COME SING WITH US! The choir will soon begin practicing for the Service of Lessons and Carols (planned for December 16) and our Christmas Eve services. Have you been wanting to join the choir but feel that you can t commit to several months? This is your chance to drop in for a short time. We meet in the sanctuary on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. Questions? You can contact Linda Lohrmann at lindalohrmann@charter.net or Better yet, chat with any choir member. We d love to have you join us! KIDS NIGHT OUT IN NOVEMBER Anyone who loves kids is welcome to come to KNO on November 17th, from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm, and experience a fun afternoon. No experience needed, the kids teach us new tricks every month. Even if you only have 1 or 2 hours, we would love to have you volunteer for whatever works. If you have questions or want to volunteer, please call Lori Peterson,

Opportunities for Fellowship SILENT QUILT AUCTION A silent auction will be held by the Mission Group

These will also be on display during the Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 18th.

Relief. Come join in the fun! Fall Cleanup!

Do you have a loader and/or a dump trailer/truck that could help with this task?

Stop The Bleed Kathleen Yancey, Trauma Services Coordinator at Providence St.

4 Opportunities for Fellowship SILENT QUILT AUCTION A silent auction will be held by the Mission Group on two Sundays, November 4 th and 11 th, and will include several special quilts and a table runner. These will also be on display during the Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 18th. The proceeds will be used to purchase batting for quilts the Mission Group makes for Lutheran World Relief. Come join in the fun! Fall Cleanup! Christ Lutheran has some yard debris that needs to be loaded up and hauled away. Do you have a loader and/or a dump trailer/truck that could help with this task? Contact Deb in the church office ( ) if you can help out! Stop The Bleed Kathleen Yancey, Trauma Services Coordinator at Providence St. Mary Medical Center recently trained eight members of Christ Lutheran's Emergency Preparedness Team (aka The Masters of Disasters) on first aid for traumatic wounds. Dan Grinstead, Todd Lesmeister, Gene Walker, Jim Peterson, Scott Duff, Nick Anderson, Mike Peters, and Dick Hanson participated. 4

Opportunities for Fellowship Time to Turn Your Clocks Back!

Join us on Sunday, Nov. 18th, 4 pm, for our thanksgiving dinner! Phil and Robin Smith donate the wonderful turkeys.

christlutheran@gohighspeed.com (either type the article in your email or attach a Microsoft Word or text-only document).

Don t miss out on this chance for fellowship and exercise!

5 Opportunities for Fellowship Time to Turn Your Clocks Back! Be sure to turn your clocks back an hour on Saturday night, November 3rd, before you go to bed! CLC s AnnuAL Thanksgiving Dinner! Join us on Sunday, Nov. 18th, 4 pm, for our thanksgiving dinner! Phil and Robin Smith donate the wonderful turkeys. There will be a sign-up sheet posted in the narthex soon, so everyone can contribute something to the feast. Come one, come all! CLC NEWSLETTER Your contributions to this newsletter are welcome! Please submit your articles to Deb in the church office, either in written form or you can send it via to christlutheran@gohighspeed.com (either type the article in your or attach a Microsoft Word or text-only document). And if you d like to receive your newsletter via CLC s website, just give Deb your address! 5 WALK, TALK, AND LAUGH WITH US! Don t miss out on this chance for fellowship and exercise! The Walking Group, also known as the Walkie Talkies, meets inside the church's back door on Monday and Wednesday mornings. Afterwards we enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in the church library. We d love to have you join us! When it is too wet to walk outside, we have a circular route for walking inside the church. For more information, call Darlene Babcock ( ), Patty Hamada ( ), or Helen Hill ( ).

6 Opportunities for Service November Service Commitments November 4th: All Saints Sunday Coffee Hour: Worship Assistant Acolyte Ushers Communion Assistants Greeters 9:30 a.m. Pat Coram Liv Gomsrud November 11th: 25th Sunday after Pentecost Coffee Hour: Bill & Kaye Miller, Pat Coram Worship Assistant Acolyte Ushers Communion Assistants Greeters 9:30 a.m. 6 Flowers: Anonymous Flowers: JoAnne & Glenn Savage Kurt Hoffman Nathan Feistner Julie Drischell & Julie Swenson November 18th: 26th Sunday after Pentecost Coffee Hour: Worship Assistant Acolyte Ushers Communion Assistants Greeters November 25th: Christ the King Coffee Hour: Worship Assistant Acolyte Ushers Communion Assistants Greeters 9:30 a.m. Flowers: Charleen Kaaen Samuel Holce 9:30 a.m. Flowers: Jon Jensen Jens Nierman Pat Gardner & Judy Loposer Altar Care Marybeth Norby JoEllen Riley

7 Christ Lutheran Church Business CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES October 9, 2018 President Kari Isaacson opened the meeting at 7:00 with devotions by Norma Hanson. Members in attendance were: Kari Isaacson, Gordon Heimbigner, Jeanne Ziska, Rachael Pederson, JoAnne Savage, Kurt Hoffman, Leslie Anderson, Jim Peterson, Jim Bradley, and Norma Hanson. Kurt made a motion to accept the minutes from August 14, Jim P. seconded and motion passed. TREASURER'S REPORT: Gordon reported that the last month has been typical of past years' income and expense. Net income for the month was an outflow of $3,083 so that the balance in the checking account was $55,428. Total cash including endowments as of 9/30/2018 was $197,319 with positive equity of $1,537,311. COMMITTEE REPORTS: 1. Outreach: Joanne reported that Oct. 16 is World Hunger Day. She has ordered posters from ELCA. The Mission Group will have a silent auction for quilts and other crafts on the first two Sundays of November. Tabitha's Closet has been busy with WaHi's homecoming. 2. Youth Education: Leslie reported for Marit Nierman that Marit has ordered a new Sunday School program from Sparks. She will include the preschool and adults also. The first unit is entitled "Advent and Christmas" and has many activities offered. This unit will run for 6 weeks and will start Nov. 4. Other units will follow. 3. Worship: JoAnne reported for Linda Lohrmann that they will try another approach to getting more people involved in helping with worship (ushers, greeters, etc.). There will be temple talks telling of the benefits of helping. 4. Adult Education: 8:30 Class is discussing the book "The Name of God is Mercy" with John Knapp as leader. The Living Lutheran magazine article for the end of the month is "Heaven and Hell". 10:30 class continues with the ELCA "Hungering for Justice" curriculum, with Leslie Anderson as leader. 5. Finance/Budget: Cecilia sent the preliminary 2019 budget for the council members to look over. She would like any changes given to her before the next council meeting. Final budget should be approved by the council at the December meeting, ready for congregation approval at the annual meeting in January. 6. Evangelism: Jeanne is working on the update of the church directory and also has the devotional booklet "12 days Before Christmas" almost complete. PASTOR'S REPORT: In pastor's written report he said he thought the potluck/mutual ministry assessment debrief was very worthwhile. A lot of positive energy in the room. The ELCA is also looking ahead to addressing concerns shared by congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization. Our joint Thanksgiving service with St Paul will be at CLC again this year. Plans are underway to have Deb's husband John purchase hardware for wifi at the church. The money is available from gifts made in memory of Deb's brother Pete. The men's group, Masters of Disasters, hosted Kathleen Yancey, the Trauma Services Director at St. Mary's and Stop the Blood instructor. She provided first aid training specifically on traumatic wounds. CONTINUING BUSINESS: 1. Bookkeeper: Jim P will get the qualifications and expectations of the bookkeeper to Jim B. One of our former bookkeepers said she would be available. Jim B said he has talked to another possible bookkeeping firm. Hopefully a decision will be made soon. 2. Church Directory: Jeanne and helpers have been updating information at the Sunday services. Pictures are being taken. Our former printer is unavailable so Jeanne has contacted local printers for quotes. Jim P made a motion to make available up to $500 for producing and having the directory ready for distribution. Kurt seconded and motion passed. 3. Retreat Follow Up: Discussion about the retreat followed. Jim P will work on a time and talent survey, Council members pictures will be posted, and Kari will head up a committee to review what other concerns should be addressed. 7 (Con t on following page)

Christ Lutheran Church Business - (Con t from previous page) NEW BUSINESS: 1. Nominating Committee formation: Five members are needed, two from council and three from the congregation.

19 include: Secretary, Property, and Adult Education. 2.

8 Christ Lutheran Church Business - (Con t from previous page) NEW BUSINESS: 1. Nominating Committee formation: Five members are needed, two from council and three from the congregation. Jeanne and Kurt volunteered from the council. They will also find the other three members. New positions needed for 2019 include: Secretary, Property, and Adult Education Budget Kickoff: Cecilia has passed out a preliminary 2019 budget for all to look at and submit any changes before the November council meeting. 3. Proposed By-Law changes: Postponed until next meeting. 4. Portico Plan Selection 2019: Some discussion but postponed until next meeting. 5. Tentative Calendar: Due to other conflicts it was suggested that the next council meeting be on Thursday, Nov 15. Since there were no objections, that will be the date. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 8:30 with the Lord's Prayer. Respectfully submitted: Norma Hanson, Secretary YOGA CLASSES IN NOVEMBER! Gentle Flow Yoga classes in November will be held on Thursdays, November 1, 8, 15 and 29. Classes will be held at 5:30 p.m. in CLC s fellowship hall. Chair Yoga classes in November will be on Fridays, November 2, 9, 16 and 30. Classes will be held at 10 a.m. in CLC's fellowship hall. No Yoga classes during Thanksgiving week. Anyone who wants to receive updates can send Anne an at anne@sumneryoga.com to be added to the list. You can contact Anne Sumner at (208) for more info. Adaptive Devices, Wheelchairs and Walkers Available An FYI! As we extend invitations to family members and friends to attend church with us, please be aware that the church has several wheelchairs and one wheeled walker available for use at church. These adaptive devices can be used by individuals that need them to assist in getting to worship safely. Ask an usher or greeter if you need any of these items. Also, we have LARGE PRINT worship folders, bulletins, and hymns available on Sunday mornings for services. Ask an usher for the LARGE PRINT version of the service if this would help you to participate and follow the service more closely. 8 Treasurer s Report September 2018 Offerings September 2018 Expenses General General Fund $19,105 Operations $22,131 Interest Income $0 Mortgage Other $0 Payment $0 Designated $670 Designated $727 Total $19,775 Total $22,858 September Net Income (Loss): ($3,083) Monthly Results: Christ Lutheran's non-designated offering income came in $5,895 less than budget for the month. Operational expenses were $3,155 less than budget for the month. Designated, restricted and operational funds combined for a net outflow of $3,083. Year To-Date: Total operating offerings/revenues to date are $37,728 under budget. Total operating expenses to date are $17,628 under budget. Total cash balance has been decreased by $18,686 since January 1, Balance Sheet Items: CLC's checking account ended the month with a $55,428 balance. Total cash including endowments totaled $197,319 as of 09/30/2018. CLC had $1,537,311 in positive equity on 09/30/2018. Pastoral Acts Weddings Allison Goddard and Andrew Johnson (29 September 2018) ~ Funerals Connie Smith (22 October 2018) Attendance Report Average Sunday Worship Attendance September 2018: 95 September 2017: 97

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY All Saints Sunday 4 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Coffee Hour 10:45 am Kids Sunday School 11 8:30 am Adult Ed class 9:30 am Worship Service

25 8:30 am Living Lutheran class 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Coffee Hour 5 12 19 26 8:00 am Men s Group 9:00 am Mission Group 7:00 pm Boy Scouts meet 8:00 am Men s Group 9:00 am Mission Group

7:00 pm Boy Scouts meet 1:00 pm Staff Meeting 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 7 14 1:00 pm Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Confirmation class 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 21 1:00 pm Staff Meeting 7:00 pm Thanksgiving Eve

9 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY All Saints Sunday 4 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Coffee Hour 10:45 am Kids Sunday School 11 8:30 am Adult Ed class 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Coffee Hour 10:45 am Kids Sunday School 18 8:30 am Adult ed class 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Coffee Hour 10:45 am Kids Sunday School 4:00 pm Thanksgiving Dinner at CLC Christ the King 25 8:30 am Living Lutheran class 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Coffee Hour :00 am Men s Group 9:00 am Mission Group 7:00 pm Boy Scouts meet 8:00 am Men s Group 9:00 am Mission Group 7:00 pm Boy Scouts meet 9:00 am Mission Group :00 pm 3rd Tuesday Book Group meets *December Newsletter Deadline* 7:00 pm Boy Scouts meet 27 8:00 am Masters of Disaster 9:00 am Mission Group 7:00 pm Boy Scouts meet 1:00 pm Staff Meeting 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal :00 pm Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Confirmation class 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 21 1:00 pm Staff Meeting 7:00 pm Thanksgiving Eve Service at CLC 28 1:00 pm Staff Meeting 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 1:30 pm Bible Study 5:30 pm Yoga Class 1:30 pm Bible Study 1 8 5:30 pm Yoga Class 6:30 pm Confirmation class 1:30 pm Bible Study 5:30 pm Yoga Class 7:00 pm Council meets Thanksgiving CLC Closed 1:30 pm Bible Study :30 pm Yoga Class 6:30 pm Boy Scout Leaders meet 2 10:00 am Chair Yoga 9 10:00 am Chair Yoga 16 10:00 am Chair Yoga 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Christian Aid Dinner Call Hoffmans at CLC Closed :00 am Chair Yoga :30 pm Kids Night Out 24 9

21st, 7:00 pm, at Christ Lutheran 10 CLC

10 Christ Lutheran Church 1420 S. 2nd Avenue Walla Walla, WA Return service requested To: So turn your clocks back on Saturday, Nov Sunday, Nov. 11th Sunday, Nov. 18, 4 pm at CLC Wednesday, November 21st, 7:00 pm, at Christ Lutheran 10 CLC will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 22nd and 23rd, for the Thanksgiving holidays! We ll be open for business again on Monday, Nov. 26th.

The Messenger. A monthly publication of Christ Lutheran Church

The Messenger. A monthly publication of Christ Lutheran Church Pastor s Message The Messenger A monthly publication of Christ Lutheran Church 1 Vol. 59 No. 3 March 2019 I know that the recent, prolonged stretch of winter weather inconvenienced a lot of people. It